WRA’s Nicky Waldeck signs with Michigan for soccer

Western Reserve Academy senior Nicky Waldeck signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Michigan as a soccer player.

Waldeck chose Michigan because of its proximity to her family home in Illinois and its academic reputation.

“Being close to home and staying in the Midwest is important,” Waldeck said. “The coaching staff made me feel at home when I visited the campus. It is an incredible school and the liberal arts program offers several opportunities with a strong focus on academics.”

During her four years on the Pioneer soccer team, Waldeck scored a school-record 111 goals, including 43 her senior year. As a senior, she earned a Gold Medal, the school’s highest athletic honor, was named the Pioneers’ Most Valuable Player for the second year in a row, the Tri-County League Player of the Year, the Greater Akron Division III Player of the Year, was a First Team All-Ohio selection and All-Midwest selection (all for the second time).

She was also named a high school All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association and was selected to participate in the U.S. Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program.

“The only teams that were able to stop Nicky on her way to 43 goals were the ones who could stop her teammates from getting her the ball in the front of the net,” WRA coach Joe DiBiase said. “Nicky would be quick to tell you that her success this year came from a tremendous team effort, leaving out the part where she seemed able to elevate the game of those around her. While she always gave 100 percent, her 100 percent is now in a different class.”

Waldeck is also a captain on WRA’s girls basketball and girls lacrosse teams, plays cello in the WRA Orchestra, is a Prefect, Student Ambassador, Senior Class President and a Morgan Leader.